How to Make Whoopie Pies - Tips and Modifications on an Old Favorite

Whoopie pies are one of those classic treats that are always a crowd pleaser. They are also called moon pies and the classic recipe calls for a chocolate outer cake "sandwich" with a creamy filling. For me, I associate this treat with my childhood - my grandmother used to make them regularly.

I found her old whoopie pies recipe a few years ago. A friend had given them to her and the recipe was written in her friend's longhand. I followed that recipe and was not disappointed. They tasted just as I remembered.

Do you want to make whoopie pies for yourself? Follow these tips for the basic whoopie pie recipe. I've also offered some advice for variations including changing the flavor of the cream center and cutting it into different shapes. In other words, you can change the flavors to fit your mood or the occasion.

• Basic Whoopie Pie Recipe. All whoopie pie recipes are designed with the same outcome. I've tried several, and they're all just as good as the one that my grandmother used regularly. I find Emeril Lagasse's recipe amongst the easiest to follow. I included a link to it in the resources section. You don't necessarily need to use his - just find one you're comfortable with.

• Holiday Whoopie Pies. When it gets to the part in Emeril's recipe where you drop the cookie mixture onto the cookie sheets, consider rolling out the dough instead. Cut the dough with cookie cutters (for example, pumpkins for Halloween) and then place on the baking sheet and bake as directed.

• Filling Ideas. Most whoopie pie recipes call for vanilla extract in the filling. You can substitute any extract you want to give it a different flavor. Try mint, hazelnut, almond, raspberry, orange, etc.

• Alternatives to homemade filling. There are other things you can use for filling instead of preparing it from scratch. You can try filling it with marshmallow spread, Nutella, store bought icing, peanut butter, almond butter, etc.

• Cookie flavorings. You don't need to stick with a strict chocolate flavor when it comes to the filling. Most recipes call for vanilla extract. You can substitute any extract you want in order to change the flavor.

When it comes to making whoopie pies, don't be afraid to be creative. But before you go changing the recipe around, make sure you prepare it at least once as it is written. I find that altering and modifying recipes is easier once I've successfully cooked it from start to finish at least once.